Cervical polyps or ectropion

Overview

Cervical polyps are finger-like growths that can bleed when touched. They're usually removed easily in the office.

Ectropion is common in teens, pregnancy, and with birth control pills and often needs no treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Spotting after sex
• Bleeding after sex or between periods

Less common

• Spotting between periods
• Extra discharge

Look up a symptom: Abnormal Pap test or positive HPV test · Bleeding after sex or between periods

When to get medical care

Causes

Hormones.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Birth control pills
• Pregnancy

Diagnosis

A pelvic exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Pap test:

Treatment

Follow up.

Self-care

• Keep up with Pap tests
• Keep up with Pap and HPV screening
• Note when spotting happens
• Use condoms with new partners to lower infection risk

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Regular screening

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Ectropion is common and harmless.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless.

Removed polyps rarely come back.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should the polyp be removed?
• Do I need any other tests?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cervical polyps or ectropion